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Merritt Island, FL Utility & Living Guide

Merritt Island is a peninsula in Brevard County, Florida, United States, located on the eastern Florida coast, along the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the name of an unincorporated town in the central and southern parts of the island and a census-designated place (CDP)..

Last updated: July 9, 2026

Total Utilities$305/mo

1BR Rent$1089/mo

Sales Tax7.5%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score6/10

Median Home$350,800

📷 Live Cameras — Merritt Island

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🌤️ Live Weather — Merritt Island

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Living in Merritt Island, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 87.4°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 55.8°F. At just 51 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 55.2 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Median household income: $82,172. With a 6.5% poverty rate and 81.3% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Cape Canaveral (6mi E), Cocoa Beach (6mi SE), Viera (8mi S). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 40 over the past week.

📍 City Briefing

⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Merritt Island

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Florida Power & Light (FPL)

🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Merritt Island Utilities

🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management

📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1089/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1210/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1512/mo
Median Home Price	$350,800
Property Tax Rate	1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1000

The housing market in Merritt Island is competitive, with steady demand due to its proximity to Cape Canaveral and affordable prices compared to nearby coastal cities. Inventory is limited, especially for waterfront properties.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	7.5%
Property Tax Rate	1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

6/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+3% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple (mixed Republican/Democratic)

Business Momentum

Moderate with key industries in aerospace, tourism, and marine services

Top Local Concerns

Hurricane preparedness, traffic congestion, affordable housing

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited; Space Coast Area Transit provides some bus routes but most families rely on cars. Sidewalks are common in newer neighborhoods.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
🎯
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
🎯
Playalinda Beach

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Tropical Farms and South Merritt Island are popular for families, offering good schools and parks. Waterfront communities along the Banana River are desirable but more expensive.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Merritt Island based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Key local rules include strict zoning for coastal areas, mandatory hurricane shutters in some zones, and water conservation measures during dry seasons.

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
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📊 Merritt Island — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income

$82,172

👤 Median Age

50.1

🏠 Homeownership Rate

81.3%

🔑 Renter Rate

18.7%

📉 Poverty Rate

6.5%

💼 Unemployment Rate

4.1%

📡 Internet Access

94.1%

🎓 College Educated

37.3%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electricity bills due to air conditioning needs, often 20-30% above average. Winter months have minimal heating costs as temperatures remain mild.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rates average 15 mills. Brevard County applies a 1% local option sales tax for infrastructure.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Decent sidewalk coverage in residential areas, good park access, but limited elevator access in public buildings and minimal dedicated stroller infrastructure.

📍 Merritt Island City Stories

Jul 9, 2026